A complex
symbolism, derived from the
humanist philosopher Giovan Battista de Leone, governs the forms and
images of this candlestick. Riccio's imitation of the Antique has twin
purposes: the stimulation of recovering the lost aesthetic and
harmonious aspects of nature, and the presentation of Christian
religious and moral values in the most pellucid artistic guise. These
drive the artist to display a highly erudite repertory of classical
forms in the luminous flow of his bronze relief.